By: Nghiinomenwa-valia Hangala
As part of the measures to control the spread of Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD), the City of Windhoek has updated that livestock slaughtering at informal markets remains prohibited.
Windhoek’s mayor, Sakarias Uunona, provided the update last week during the Ordinary Council Meeting.
Windhoek has one of the biggest informal sectors, with most of it anchored by the beef sector, with the kapana industry as one of the largest employers and a source of income for residents.
The popular kapana places are Single Quarters, Wanahenda, Greenwell Matongo, and Okuryangava.
However, at almost every corner in Windhoek is a blackpot or a braai stand.
However, most of these places are now empty as the country implements and observes FMD containment measures.
The FMD has now been detected at 11 farms in the south.
Uushona has told residents that municipal measures remain in force until further notice.
The measures are that livestock and slaughtering at informal markets remains prohibited.
The City has also suspended the issuance of permits for meat movement.
Farm or homestead slaughtering for commercial sale also remains prohibited.
Meat and meat products from animals slaughtered for home consumption may not be moved or transported from the premises of slaughter.
Slaughtering during social events may only take place with prior approval from the City of Windhoek and in accordance with prescribed conditions.
He further urged Windhoek residents, farmers and stakeholders to continue complying with all movement restrictions and biosecurity requirements that remain in place.
For those transporting meat products to Windhoek, they are required to keep proof of purchase or proof of origin.
